Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to ion-exchange systems and devices that can monitor key parameters related to the performance of the ion-exchange device. Specifically, the ion-exchange systems and devices disclosed herein can provide real time voltage drop across groups of membrane pairs using diagnostic spacer borders between the pairs. In addition, the ion-exchange systems and devices disclosed herein can monitor the compression force applied by the compression plates holding the ion-exchange systems and devices together.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method to desalinate aqueous solution. The apparatus disclosed herein comprises at least two electrodes and at least one ion selective membrane in continuous contact with the aqueous solution that is contained in the internal space created by connecting a top manifold and a bottom manifold of the apparatus. The ion selective membrane(s) are arranged in such a manner as to enable reversing the flow of the charged particles by direct or indirect means. The electrodes in this apparatus may be made of material that reversibly reacts with chlorides in water.

Abstract: An asymmetric mold core and method for use for forming curved floor openings in pallets is taught. The mold core contains: a base, the base attachable to a frame in a rotomold, a bottom section integral at a distal end to the base, and a top section integral at a distal end to the base. Both the top section and the bottom section have convex radial curve shape, but the top section curve and the bottom section curve are positioned by having different centers of rotation so when the core is actuated it is only actuated around the center of rotation about the bottom curve which causes the top cure to drop away from the upper molded surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of placing a plate fixation device in a foot comprising the steps of: plantarly placing a reverse locking plate on the foot; and utilizing a locking guide to dorsally place reverse locking screws into the foot to mate with the reverse locking plate.

Abstract: An expandable sleeve is used for providing support to an obturation member. The expandable sleeve and the obturation member form a hydraulic isolation in a casing. The expandable sleeve has preferably a small thickness or cross-section, which can allow for a large flow-through inner diameter after expansion. Also, the expandable sleeve is preferably short. Thus, mill-up operations that are performed when the expandable sleeve is no longer in use can be expedited or even eliminated in some cases.

Abstract: An asymmetric mold core and method for use for forming curved floor openings in pallets is taught. The mold core contains: a base, the base attachable to a frame in a rotomold, a bottom section integral at a distal end to the base and a top section integral at a distal end to the base. Both the top section and the bottom section have convex radial curve shape, but the top section curve and the bottom section curve are positioned by having different centers of rotation so when the core is actuated it is only actuated around the center of rotation about the bottom curve which causes the top cure to drop away from the upper molded surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bioactive implant including the steps of (a) forming a mixture of an bioactive agent and a setting agent capable of transitioning from a flowable state to a rigid state; (b) converting the mixture into a flowable state; and (c) transitioning the mixture into a solid state in a shape of the implant.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed an ion exchange membrane that has an increased affinity for a specific ionic species. The ion exchange membranes disclosed herein include ionophores that can increase ion-selectivity. These ion exchange membranes can be incorporated to various ion-exchange systems or devices that can selectively separate ions of value.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed ion-exchange systems and devices that include composite ion-exchange membranes having 3D printed spacers on them. These 3D printed spacers can drastically reduce the total intermembrane spacing within the system/device while maintaining a reliable sealing surface around the exterior border of the membrane. By adding the spacers directly to the membrane using additive manufacturing, the amount of material used can be reduced without adversely impacting the manufacturability of the composite membrane as well as allow for complex spacer geometries that can reduce the restrictions to flow resulting in less pressure drop associated with the flow in the active area of the membranes.

Abstract: An expandable tubular having a receptacle at its lower end is installed in a wellbore. An axial force is generated on a solid cone assembly to push the solid cone assembly. The solid cone assembly includes a cone body formed from a drillable material, the cone body having an expansion surface, a first expansion profile formed in a first portion of the expansion surface, and a second expansion profile formed in a second portion of the expansion surface. The second expansion profile includes one or more facets. The facets of the second expansion profile engage the receptacle, providing a rotational lock to the cone body. After expansion of the expandable tubular, the cone body may be drilled or milled.

Abstract: A liner hanger is used for deploying a liner into a wellbore. The liner hanger includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end. The first end can include a connection to a liner. The second end can include a sealed connection to an operational pipe. The sealed connection can be releasable. An expansion tool attached to a work string can be used for suspending the liner hanger into the wellbore. At least a portion of the expandable pipe is radially expanded using the expansion tool. The radial expansion of the expandable pipe can cause compression of at least one seal member against a base casing.

Abstract: A laser piston position sensor for determining the position of a piston within an accumulator, the laser piston position sensor configured to attach to an end of the accumulator, and the accumulator having an aperture in the end thereof exposing the piston within the accumulator to the laser piston position sensor. The laser piston position sensor including a sensor housing enclosing a cavity containing a low pressure gas, and defining an opening from the cavity toward the accumulator, a laser sensor positioned within the cavity for emitting a laser toward the piston of the accumulator via the opening in the sensor housing and the aperture in the accumulator, and a transparent lens positioned between the laser sensor and the accumulator to allow passage of the laser from the laser sensor to the piston, and to separate gases in the accumulator from gases in the cavity of the sensor housing.

Abstract: An expandable tubular having a receptacle at its lower end is installed in a wellbore. An axial force is generated on a solid cone assembly to push the solid cone assembly. The solid cone assembly includes a cone body formed from a drillable material, the cone body having an expansion surface, a first expansion profile formed in a first portion of the expansion surface, and a second expansion profile formed in a second portion of the expansion surface. The second expansion profile includes one or more facets. The facets of the second expansion profile engage the receptacle, providing a rotational lock to the cone body. After expansion of the expandable tubular, the cone body may be drilled or milled.

Abstract: An expansion system is assembled by coupling a piston assembly and a solid cone assembly to an adjustable cone assembly within an expandable tubular having inner sleeve disposed in a portion thereof. The expansion system is run into a wellbore. The piston assembly is activated to move the solid cone assembly downward through the inner sleeve so as to expand the inner sleeve and the portion of the expandable tubular having the inner sleeve. The adjustable cone assembly is shifted from a retracted position to an expansion position within the inner sleeve. The adjustable cone assembly is moved upward through expandable tubular while leaving the solid cone assembly and the inner sleeve coupled to expandable tubular. The solid cone assembly and the inner sleeve may be drilled or milled.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method to desalinate aqueous solution. The apparatus disclosed herein comprises at least two electrodes and at least one ion selective membrane in continuous contact with the aqueous solution that is contained in the internal space created by connecting a top manifold and a bottom manifold of the apparatus. The ion selective membrane(s) are arranged in such a manner as to enable reversing the flow of the charged particles by direct or indirect means. The electrodes in this apparatus may be made of material that reversibly reacts with chlorides in water.

Abstract: Modified PH20 hyaluronidase polypeptides, including modified polypeptides that exhibit increased stability and/or increased activity, are provided. Also provided are compositions and formulations and uses thereof.

Abstract: A laser piston position sensor for determining the position of a piston within an accumulator, the laser piston position sensor configured to attach to an end of the accumulator, and the accumulator having an aperture in the end thereof exposing the piston within the accumulator to the laser piston position sensor. The laser piston position sensor including a sensor housing enclosing a cavity containing a low pressure gas, and defining an opening from the cavity toward the accumulator, a laser sensor positioned within the cavity for emitting a laser toward the piston of the accumulator via the opening in the sensor housing and the aperture in the accumulator, and a transparent lens positioned between the laser sensor and the accumulator to allow passage of the laser from the laser sensor to the piston, and to separate gases in the accumulator from gases in the cavity of the sensor housing.

Abstract: Modified PH20 hyaluronidase polypeptides, including modified polypeptides that exhibit increased stability and/or increased activity, are provided. Also provided are compositions and formulations and uses thereof.